Doug Scharf

The Rt. Rev. Doug Scharf, Bishop of Southwest Florida 
Prior to his 2022 election, Doug was the Rector of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and School in Tequesta, FL since January 2017. A thriving congregation, Good Shepherd includes more than 500 active members and a vibrant, fully accredited early childhood program and elementary school of 140 students. He served as rector of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church (October 2007 – 2016) in Valrico, FL. He also served as associate rector of Church of the Holy Spirit (June 2004 – October 2007) in Osprey, FL.

Bishop Scharf earned a B.A. in English from Florida Gulf Coast University (2002); an M. Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary (2004); and a D. Min. from Emory University, Candler School of Theology (2018) with a concentration in Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation.

In addition to parish ministry, Bishop Scharf has served in various leadership roles within his diocesan communities and the wider Episcopal Church, including Standing Committee President, Convocation Dean, and two-time Deputy to General Convention.

Born in 1979, Bishop Scharf was raised in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, the son of the Rev. Frederick Scharf and Carol Scharf. He and his wife Shannon are the parents of three children: Clayton, Parker, and Grady. His hobbies include music (he plays piano), reading, hiking, kayaking, and spending time in the beauty of God’s creation.